ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Startup supported by NRL acquired by Australian Company
Numaligarh Refinery Limited backed Onetracker Technologies Pvt Ltd  from Guwahati , Assam has been acquired by Get it Fast , an innovative Australian last mile delivery company.
Onetracker provides a world class enterprise technology platform for logistics and last mile delivery companies. Onetracker is backed by Numaligarh Refinery Limited through its flagship startup initiative called NRL Ideation to encourage local entrepreneurs from North East India and create a conducive atmosphere for startup businesses in this region. This support from Numaligarh Refinery enabled Onetracker to successfully explore business opportunities in global markets and contributed immensely to the acquisition by Get it Fast.
This acquisition will allow Get it Fast to invest extensively in Onetracker's platform to build a world class product ready for global markets.
Ministry of Power
NHPC records highest ever Quarter-I Standalone Profit after Tax
NHPC Limited, India’s premier hydropower company, has reported its highest ever Quarter-I Standalone Profit after Tax  of Rs. 1,053 Crore for the financial year 2023-24, against PAT of Rs. 1050 Crore for the corresponding previous quarter. The NHPC Board approved the Q-1 FY23-24 results in their meeting held on 11thAugust 2023.
NHPC’s total installed capacity is 7097.2 MW of renewable power  through its 25 power stations including 1520 MW through subsidiaries.
Ministry of Defence
Shortage of Officers
The details of strength of Officers in the three Armed Forces , force-wise are as under:-
|
|
Service
|
|
Authorised Strength
|
|
Held Strength
|
|
Shortage
|
|
Army

|
|
49933
|
|
42635
|
|
7298
|
|
Navy

|
|
11352
|
|
9746
|
|
1606
|
|
Air Force

|
|
12584
|
|
12392
|
|
192
Recruitment in the Armed Forces is a continuous process. The Government has taken a number of measures to reduce the shortages. These include sustained image projection, participation in career fairs and exhibitions and publicity campaign to create awareness among the youth on the advantages of taking up a challenging and satisfying career. Further, Government has taken various steps to make armed forces’ jobs attractive including improvement in promotion prospects in the Armed Forces.
To attract youth including the rural youth to join the Armed Forces various steps are taken such as giving wide publicity to recruitment in Armed Forces through advertisement in print & audio-visual media. Recruitment of Personnel Below Officers Ranks  in Army is carried out through Open Rally System being conducted regularly throughout the country. Efforts are made to cover the entire country including remote and tribal areas. In Navy, regular recruitment drives are undertaken, covering all States / Regions for recruitment of sailors. Recruitment of Airmen in Air Force is on all India basis through scheduled selection tests. In addition, recruitment rallies are also conducted in different parts of the country including tribal areas.
This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Dr. Subhash Bhamre in a written reply to Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal “Nishank” in Lok Sabha today.
NAo/Nampi/Rajib/HS
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Ministry of Defence
DRDO successfully flight tests Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle
Defence Research and Development Organisation  has successfully demonstrated the hypersonic air-breathing scramjet technology with the flight test of Hypersonic Technology Demonstration Vehicle  at 1103 hours from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Launch Complex at Wheeler Island, off the coast of Odisha today.
The hypersonic cruise vehicle was launched using a proven solid rocket motor, which took it to an altitude of 30 kilometres , where the aerodynamic heat shields were separated at hypersonic Mach number. The cruise vehicle separated from the launch vehicle and the air intake opened as planned. The hypersonic combustion sustained and the cruise vehicle continued on its desired flight path at a velocity of six times the speed of sound i.e., nearly 02 km/second for more than 20 seconds. The critical events like fuel injection and auto ignition of scramjet demonstrated technological maturity. The scramjet engine performed in a text book manner.
The parameters of launch and cruise vehicle, including scramjet engine was monitored by multiple tracking radars, electro-optical systems and Telemetry Stations. The scramjet engine worked at high dynamic pressure and at very high temperature. A Ship was also deployed in the Bay of Bengal to monitor the performance during the cruise phase of hypersonic vehicle. All the performance parameters have indicated a resounding success of the mission.
With this successful demonstration, many critical technologies such as aerodynamic configuration for hypersonic manoeuvers, use of scramjet propulsion for ignition and sustained combustion at hypersonic flow, thermo-structural characterisation of high temperature materials, separation mechanism at hypersonic velocities etc. were proven.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO on this landmark achievement towards realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. He also spoke to the scientists associated with the project and congratulated them on this great achievement. India is proud of them, he added.
Secretary Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr G Satheesh Reddy congratulated all the Scientists, Researchers and other personnel related with HSTDV mission for their resolute and unwavering efforts towards strengthening Nation’s defence capabilities. On this successful demonstration, the country enters into the hypersonic regime paving way for advanced hypersonic Vehicles.
ABB/Nampi/KA/DK/Savvy/ADA
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Ministry of Electronics & IT
UIDAI to host “Aadhaar Hackathon 2021” from 28thOctober to 31st October
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given a clarion call to celebrate the 75th year of Independence of India, as the AzadikaAmritMahotsav. It is a year to celebrate innovations in the field of technology and elevate service delivery to the next level. This year is also important for Aadhaar, as it is transitioning to the next decade of its existence, with a renewed objective to further improvise resident experience and various services offered by the UIDAI.
To celebrate this momentous occasion, UIDAI is hosting a Hackathon titled “Aadhaar Hackathon 2021” targeted at young innovators - who are still at various Engineering institutes and eager to step into the real world. The hackathon is starting on 28 Oct 21 at 0000Hrs and would continue till 31 Oct 21 up to 2300Hrs.
Aadhaar Hackathon 2021 is themed around two topics. The first theme is around “Enrolment and Update”, which essentially covers some of the real-life challenges being faced by the residents while updating their address.
The second theme of the Hackathon is around the “Identity and Authentication” solution offered by UIDAI. Under this theme, UIDAI is soliciting innovative solutions to prove Identity without sharing the Aadhaar number or any demographics information. Also, it is looking for innovative applications around face authentication API - the newly launched authentication modality of UIDAI. The objective is to popularize some of the existing and new APIs to solve the needs of residents.
To solve these challenges through innovative technological solutions, UIDAI is reaching out to the young minds of all the Engineering colleges.
The winners of each theme would be rewarded by UIDAI through prize money and other lucrative benefits. All the young minds are encouraged to form teams and participate in this first-ever event being conducted by the Aadhaar team. Details of the event and online registration form are available at https://hackathon.uidai.gov.in/.
RKJ/M
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Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Indian Pharma & India Medical Devices 2019 inaugurated at Bengaluru
Indian Pharma & India Medical Devices 2019 inaugurated at Bengaluru
Bangalore, February 18, 2019
India is the largest provider of generic drugs globally and caters to over 50% of global demand for various vaccines, 40% of generic demand in the U.S. and 25% of all medicines in the U.K. India, followed by the U.S. and China, has the fastest growth potential. In competitiveness, India ranks third. The top two are U.S. and Germany. In reputation ranking, India is sixth, while China ranks tenth said Shri. D. V Sadananda Gowda, Union Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers and Statistics and Programme Implementation.
The minister addressing the inaugural session of the two day Indian Pharma & India Medical Devices 2019 at Bengaluru said that, India is a leading exporter of affordable generics to many countries including the developing and developed nations and well will continue to discharge our responsibilities. We intend to continue formulating plans that are based on sound science, technology, business sense and ethics. We continue to strive to increase the case of doing business in India for which several measures have already been announced and many others will follow the minister added.
The minister further stated that the industry in 2017, was facing steep headwinds on account of lower generic opportunities, rising competition, supplier consolidation and increase in regulatory alerts for Indian Pharmaceutical firms. But, with several corrective measures and improvement in exports, growth seems to be coming back. The pharmaceutical industry in India was valued at over USD 34 Billion in FY18 with an almost 50-50 share of domestic and export markets. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 15% in the near future the minister said.
Talking about the medical device industry the minister said that the medical devices industry in India is presently valued at USD 5.2 billion and contributes 4-5 per cent to the USD 96.7 billion Indian health care industy. Currently, India has about 750-800 medical device manufacturers in the country, with an average investment of Rs.170-200 million and an average turnover of Rs.450-500 million he added.
The industry has steadily grown and witnessed a surge from USD 2.02 billion in 2009 to USD 3.9 billion in 2015 at a CAGR of 15.8 per cent. As per industry estimates, the Indian medical devices market will grow to USD 50 billion by 2025. Currently, India is counted among the top 20 global medical devices makert and is the forth largest medical devices market in Asia after Japan, China and South Korea the minister said
The Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri Mansukh L. Mandaviya and the Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Sh. J.P. Prakash and other dignitaries were present in the inaugural session.
Ministry of Defence
Paraplegic patients at Military Hospital Kirkee shine at National Para Swimming Championship
Pune, 15 November 2022
Soldiers admitted at the Spinal Cord injury centre, Military Hospital Kirkee truly epitomized the grit and determination with their stellar performance at the 22ndNational Para Swimming Championships, 2022 held at Guwahati from 11 - 13 Nov 2022. Sep Dipak Burman, who has post traumatic paraplegia and has undergone two spinal surgeries in the past, triumphed with Gold medal in 100-meter Back Stroke. He also displayed his best effort in 100 Meter Freestyle event but missed the Gold medal by a whisker bagging bronze in this event. In addition, he also won Silver Medal in 50 Meter Backstroke. Sep Akhil T, inspite of his severe disability, fought all odds and completed his performance with fifth position in this category.
Such a splendid performance reveals their strength of character. Life dealt them an unfortunate hand leading to life changing spine injuries in the line of duty. But with the help of the dedicated spinal cord injury team at Military Hospital Kirkee & the support of family and friends they have achieved superhuman feats that even able-bodied individuals would struggle to do.
22nd National Para Swimming Championship was organised by Paralympic committee of India at Guwahati from 11 – 13 Nov 2022 where these paraplegic patients from Spinal Cord injury centre, Military Hospital Kirkee represented Services Para Swimming team. The Indian Armed Forces looks after its soldiers, both in war and Peace. Soldiers with spinal cord injuries are nursed back to health and rehabilitated at the Spinal Cord Injury Centre at Military Hospital Kirkee in Pune. The process is painful and frustrating both for the injured and for the team caring for him. But perseverance pays off, albeit slowly. Dedicated Clinicians, Nursing Staff, Rehabilitation experts work round the clock in this state-of-the-art centre to bring hope and new meaning to the lives of post trauma paraplegics. The Centre at Military Hospital Kirkee strives to provide rehabilitation and social reintegration sorely needed for such patients. Army Paralympic Node at BEG Kirkee played an instrumental role in paving the path for success at this National level event.PIB Pune | M.Iyengar/D.Rane
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Ministry of Labour & Employment
Foundation Stone Laid for 100 Bedded ESI Hospital at Vijaynagaram, Andhra Pradesh
Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Minister of State  for Labour and Employment laid the foundation stone of ESI Hospital, Vijaynagaram, Andhra Pradesh today. Smt Pamula Pushpa Sreevani, Dy. Chief Minister & Minister for Tribal Welfare, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh was the Chief Guest of the function.
Shri Gangwar informed about various initiatives taken by the government to provide better health care and services to the work force of India. He said that 159 hospitals in country are providing ESIC services and 47 out of them are run by ESIC and rest by State Governments. The Minister said that recruitment drive has been initiated to fill the post of medical staff in hospitals of ESIC.
The 100 bedded ESI Hospital in Vijaynagaram will be built over five acres area with an estimated cost of Rs. 75.26 Crores. The hospital will consist of G+2 levels, including residential campus and will be equipped with all modern medical facilities like OPD, Wards, Labs and Emergency Facility. This hospital will help in catering the needs of two north-eastern districts of Andhra Pradesh viz. Srikakulam and Vijaynagaram, that currently has over 1 lakh IPs and 3.88 lakh beneficiaries who are taking secondary care treatment at Vishakhapatnam.
In Andhra Pradesh, initially, the ESI Scheme was implemented centre wise with just 4 centres viz. Vijayawada, Guntur, Eluru and Vishakhapatnam w.e.f. 09.10.1955. The scheme was gradually extended to 136 centres. Presently, the scheme is in force in 663 mandals of Andhra Pradesh with over 42,880 Employers, 12,90,051 IPs and 43,39,208 Beneficiaries. The ESI Scheme is administered in Andhra Pradesh through 1 Regional Office, 2 Sub-Regional Offices and 22 Branch Offices. Medical services to the beneficiaries are being provided through 4 ESIS Hospitals, 3 Diagnostic Centres, 78 ESIS Dispensaries, 79 Panel Clinics and mobile dispensaries in 34 centres. For providing secondary care and super speciality treatment, tie-up arrangements have been made with 38 private hospitals in all districts and at important centres.
Shri Gummanur Jayaram, Minister for Labour and Employment, Training & Factories, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh assured full cooperation of State Govt. in running the upcoming hospital. The other dignitaries present during the event acknowledged the efforts of central govt. and assured the state government cooperation. The project is expected to be completed in two years. After construction of this hospital of ESIC, the same will be handed over to State Govt. for running it.
Special Service and Features
Seminar for agents providing foreign employment opportunities
A seminar for agents providing foreign employment opportunities titled "திரைகடலோடியும் பாதுகாப்பாக திரவியம் தேடு" meaning Travel across seas safely and search for wealth was held in Chennai.The seminar was organised by the immigrants safety wing of the ministry of external affairs.
The seminar deliberated on the steps to be taken to ensure the safety of those labourers who seek foreign employment opportunities through agents.
In his speech Tambaram Police commissioner Mr. M. Ravi pointed out the various problems faced by the workers who go abroad with a tourist visa on the advice of local unrecognised agents.He also pointed out that workers who were taken abroad for a particular job were made to do other jobs as well apart from being compelled to work for more than the stipulated hours. He said to prevent workers from going through these problems it should be made mandatory that all advertisements regarding employment opportunities in foreign countries should be released with due permission from the Ministry of External Affairs. Those who work abroad contribute to the foreign exchange earnings of the country .Therefore it is the duty of everyone to ensure their safety and welfare,he said.
Chief Commissioner of Immigrants Mr. Brahma Kumar said that those who are caught with the fake agents go through a number of problems and their family is completely ruined. Therefore, the agents for foreign employment opportunities should help out in identifying the fake agents to eradicate the problem, he said.
Commissioner for the Welfare of Tamil migrants Ms.Jacintha Lazarus said machines were used for domestic and other related jobs in foreign countries and that the Tamilnadu Government would provide a training program for workers planning to go abroad to make them feel comfortable to operate these machines.
Speaking on the occasion the Managing Director of the Directorate of foreign employment opportunities of the Government of Tamilnadu Mr. C.N. Maheshwaran said those who were planning to go abroad through the agents should check out on the credibility of these firms from his office. This can prevent fake agents cheating the job seekers.
Malaysian Vice consul in Chennai Mr.Saravanan Karthikeyan, Controller of Immigrants,Chennai Region,Government of India Mr. Venkatachalam Murugan, Passport Officer, Chennai region Mr. Kovendan participated in the seminar.
Ministry of Heavy Industries
Concessional GST Guidelines revised for purchase of Vehicle by Disabled
Department of Heavy Industry, Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, Government of India, in pursuance of Ministry of Finance Notification No. 14/2019-Integrated Tax Rate dated 30.09.2019, has notified the revised guidelines for availing the concessional rate of GST, for purchase of vehicle by the persons with orthopaedic disability, of 40% and above.
The revised guidelines are available on www.dhi.nic.in and all eligible persons with orthopaedic disabilities may avail this benefit by submitting the requisite documents as per the formats prescribed therein.
Ministry of Defence
Terrorist attacks in the country
The number of Terrorist Initiated Incidents in the country, year-wise/state-wise is as given below:
|
|
Year
|
|
J&K
|
|
Manipur
|
|
Nagaland
|
|
Assam
|
|
Arunachal Pradesh
|
|
2017
|
|
131
|
|
08
|
|
-
|
|
01
|
|
01
|
|
2018
|
|
318
|
|
08
|
|
03
|
|
-
|
|
-
Details of terrorists killed in Counter Terrorists  Operations/Counter Infiltration  and Terrorist Initiated Incidents  year-wise is as given below:
|
|
Year
|
|
Number of Terrorists killed
|
|
2017
|
|
235
|
|
2018
|
|
265
Details of battle casualties  of Army is given as below:
|
|
Year
|
|
Battle Casualties
|
|
2017
|
|
42
|
|
2018
|
|
43
This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Shripad Naik in a written reply to ShriVijay Goelin Rajya Sabha today.
Nampi/DK/HS
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Special Service and Features
IIT Madras Researchers develop pocket-friendly device to detect milk adulteration in 30 seconds
The 3D paper-based portable device could be easily adapted for use
in homes as an instant everyday remedy to prevent the consumption
of adulterated milk
Indian Institute of Technology Madras  Researchers have developed a three-dimensional  paper-based portable device that can detect adulteration in milk within 30 seconds. The test could be even performed at home.
It can detect multiple substances commonly used as adulterating agents including Urea, detergents, soap, starch, hydrogen peroxide, sodium-hydrogen-carbonate and salt, among others Unlike conventional laboratory-based methods to test the purity of milk, which are both expensive and time-consuming, this new technology is affordable and could also be used to test other liquids such as water, fresh juices, and milkshakes for traces of adulteration. Only a millilitre of any liquid would be as a sample to test for adulterants.
This research was led by Dr. Pallab Sinha Mahapatra, Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Madras, along with Research Scholars Mr. Subhashis Patari and Dr. Priyankan Datta. They co-authored a Research Paper that has been published in the prestigious peer-review journal Nature .
Elaborating on the functioning of this paper-based device, Dr. Pallab Sinha Mahapatra, Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Madras, said, “The 3D paper-based microfluidic device is made up of a top and bottom cover and a sandwich structure middle layer. This 3D design works well for transporting denser liquids at a consistent speed. The paper is treated with reagents and is let to dry. Both paper layers are adhered to both sides of the support after drying, and the covers adhere with double-sided tape. Whatman filter paper grade 4 is used in this design, which aids liquid flow and allows for the storage of more reagents.”
Dr. Pallab Sinha Mahapatra added, “All the reagents are dissolved either in distilled water or in ethanol, depending upon their solubility. Using colorimetric detection techniques, all the adulterants are detected in different liquid samples. It is inferred from the investigation that the reagent only reacts with the specific adulterant in this method and not with any milk ingredients.
Hence, this analytical tool can help to monitor liquid food safety and thereby increases the traceability of tainted milk in remote areas of developing countries.”
Milk is one of the most vital foods important to lead a healthy lifestyle and yet is the most adulterated food item in the world.
The adulteration of milk is a growing menace, especially in developing countries like India, Pakistan, China, and Brazil. Consumption of adulterated milk could cause medical complications such as kidney problems, infant death, gastrointestinal complications, Diarrhoea, and even cancer.
(
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Directorate of Marketing & Inspection celebrates National Consumer Day in Pune
Directorate of Marketing & Inspection under Union Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare today celebrated National Consumer Day in association with National Service Scheme , College of Agriculture, Pune at Dr. Shirname Auditorium, College of Agriculture, Shivaji Nagar, Pune.
Exhibition of Agmark certified products such as Ghee, Oil, Honey, Ground Spices etc. was organised on this occasion. Agmark is a quality certification mark implemented by Directorate of Marketing & Inspection, Govt. of India under the The Agricultural Produce  Act, 1937. The programme was inaugurated by President District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, Pune Shri UmeshVitthalraoJawalikar. Assistant Agricultural Marketing Adviser, Directorate of Marketing & Inspection, Govt. of India Shri Sanjay Mehra, welcomed the chief guest and other dignitaries along with participants.
In this exhibition, 20 Agmark packers/manufacturers exhibited their Agmark certified products. Programme was presided over by Deputy Agricultural Marketing Adviser, Directorate of Marketing & Inspection, Shri B.K. Joshi, in the presence of Associate Dean, College of Agriculture, Pune Dr. Sunil D. Masalkar,.
The exhibition was visited by around 300 visitors. The chief guest explained in detail the importance of National Consumer Day celebrated on 24th December every year.